Reports from the UK on Wednesday suggest that Chelsea see the 24-year-old as the ideal replacement for John Terry and were willing to spend over €20 million on the defender, while Milan and Liverpool are closely monitoring his situation, too.

However, Dede looks set to remain in Brazil for the forseeable future, with Cruzeiro confident of landing the sought-after defender.

The Raposa, with the support of investment company DIS, are reportedly paying €5,5m for 45 per cent of the player's economical rights.

"The situation with the player's economical rights is not something that can stop or slow down the transfer. The agreement between the clubs is there," Cruzeiro lawyer Carlos Portinho told Lance.

Cruzeiro are expected to announce the transfer once Dede has successfully completed his medical later this week.